The Chilterns stretches from the River Thames in What is Access Land? There is no new right to cycle or horse-ride (except on south Oxfordshire through Buckinghamshire and The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gives people bridleways, restricted byways and byways crossing access Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire. It contains a right to walk and enjoy informal recreation on designated land), drive vehicles (except on byways open to all traffic or some of the finest countryside in the UK, which is open access land. These are places where you are allowed other legal routes crossing access land), camp, hang-glide, recognised by its designation as an Area of to walk, sightsee, picnic, bird-watch and run. paraglide, use a metal detector or light fires. Existing access Outstanding Natural Beauty. From quiet valleys to rights are unaffected; if for example you have always enjoyed dramatic viewpoints, leafy green woodlands to flower- Walking on this land is different to walking on public rights the right to cycle or ride in an area, this will continue. covered meadows, the Chilterns has beautiful of way as you don't have to stick to a defined line. You are countryside to enjoy. free to explore interesting features and can decide your When you see this symbol it shows you are own route. entering open access land. Dogs on Access Land Open Access Landscapes Rights on access land extend to walking with dogs. In the Chilterns there are two types of access land, However, dogs must be kept on a fixed lead of no more Registered Common Land (accounting for two thirds than 2 metres in length whenever livestock are present, of access land) and Chalk Downland. and on all areas of access land between March 1st and July 31st. Dogs may be excluded for up to 6 weeks a The majority of Chalk Downland is designated as a year on land used for lambing and where other Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is nationally restrictions apply. Please follow local information signs important for the conservation of flowers and insects and check the Countryside Agency's access website which live on unimproved chalk grassland. The flowers and helpline before you set out. A free publication 'You provide a riot of colour in spring and early summer. The and your dog in the countryside' can be downloaded grass has to be grazed by animals during the autumn from www.countryside.gov.uk and winter to keep it short, otherwise delicate plants are shaded out by more aggressive plants and grasses. Some areas are restricted This leaflet helps you to explore access land in the Most of the access land in the Chilterns is open at all Commons are an important feature of the Chilterns. Chilterns and gives advice on where to find essential times. However there may be occasional restrictions; There are 213 commons in the Chilterns with a wide up to date information. farmers and land owners are entitled to close access range of different landscapes from ancient woodlands land or restrict certain types of activities for 28 days a and rolling chalk hills to small pockets of open heath. year for any reason. They may also apply for long-term For further information and to download maps of the restrictions or closures where necessary for nature larger commons see www.chilternsaonb.org/Caring conservation, land management and public safety for the Chilterns/Commons reasons. Where possible, restrictions and closures will be shown on www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk or call Large areas of woodland in the Chilterns have been 0845 1003298. There should also be site notices dedicated as open access land by the Forestry locally. Commission and Woodland Trust, offering the same access rights as downland and commons. To find a wood near you see www.woodland-trust.org.uk or www.forestry.gov.uk How to find out more Open Access land will be shown on the new Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps and can also be viewed on www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk Access The National Access Helpline gives current information, including any restrictions, tel 0845 100 3298 in the The four Access Authorities in the Chilterns can provide additional information on Open Access in their areas: Chilterns Bedfordshire Countryside Access Service, Tel 01234 408071 www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/rightsofway Buckinghamshire County Council Rights of Way, Tel 01296 382171 www.buckscc.gov.uk/rightsofway Hertfordshire County Council, Tel 01992 555262 www.hertsdirect.org/row Oxfordshire County Council Countryside Service, Tel 01865 810226 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countryside The new rights described in this leaflet are in addition to a vast array of other rights whether formal or informal to With rights come responsibilities…. enjoy the countryside, parks, woodland and open space across the Chilterns. You have the legal right to explore access land in the Chilterns but please remember that most of the area is To find out more about the Chilterns privately owned, it is internationally important for some Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, of its plants and animals and is a home and place of including walks and activities in the CONSERVATION BOARD work for many people. area, look at our website www.chilternsaonb.org or call 01844 355508 Please be considerate in the countryside and follow the new Countryside Code Be safe plan ahead and follow any signs Leave gates and property as you find them Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home Keep dogs under close control. Consider other people an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Open Access sites in the Chilterns Here is a selection of sites to get you started, there are 6 Ashridge Estate 1 0 Aston Rowant National Nature many more which are featured on Ashridge is a magnificent and varied estate which runs along Reserve the main ridge of the Chiltern Hills. There are ancient www.chilternsaonb.org This is one of English Nature's flagship National Nature woodlands, commons and chalk downland supporting a rich Reserves. It is special for its chalk downland, beech woodland variety of wildlife and offering splendid walking through 1 Pegsdon Hills and carpets of scented wildflowers in the summer. It is one of outstanding scenery. Visitors can climb the Bridgewater With stunning views this is one of the most spectacular the best places to see red kites and offers dramatic views. Monument and Ivinghoe Beacon for the best views in the reserves owned by the Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust. The valley There are several trails through the Reserve, including Chilterns. There are a number of waymarked trails walks in the slopes and chalk grasslands are home to many rare and one suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This is area and a visitor centre with toilets and café. beautiful wildflowers. downloadable from www.chilternsaonb.org or Visitors with disabilities are able to borrow self-drive powered Visit www.wildlifebcnp.org for more information. Tel 01844 355508 for a leaflet. vehicles and manual wheelchairs from the visitor centre English Nature www.english-nature.org.uk tel 01844 351833 (booking advisable). 2 Barton Hills National Nature Reserve Managed by The National Trust visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk The chalk meadows of the reserve are amongst the finest in Tel 01442 851227 the country, famous for their spring display of pasque flowers There is a circular walk starting at Tring Station and taking and home to many butterflies. The clear chalk stream running you into the heart of the Ashridge Estate. Barton-le-Clay through the reserve provides a tranquil setting. This is downloadable from www.chilternsaonb.org or Tel Hexton There is a circular trail to follow, visitor leaflets and 01844 355508 for a leaflet. information panels. M1 www.english-nature.org.uk Tel 01844 351833 2 1 i 7 Coombe Hill, Wendover 3 3 Sharpenhoe Clappers and Sundon Hills Coombe Hill offers amazing views of the Vale of Aylesbury and Chequers, the Prime Minister's country home. There are 4 Hitchin Country Park ancient beech woods with carpets of bluebells in the Spring, Dunstable Lilley This is an area of gently rolling downland with wide open views and sweeping wildflower meadows. and beautiful chalk meadows at the very northern end of the A circular walk taking in Coombe Hill is downloadable Chiltern Hills. Sharpenhoe Clappers is an ancient beech wood from www.chilternsaonb.org perched at the top of a steep hill. If you like a challenge you can or Tel 01844 355508 for a leaflet. i i climb up the hill from the pub below (worth it for the views!), or LUTON there is a car park at the top of the hill for easy access. Site is owned and managed by Bedfordshire County Council and the National Trust. Whipsnade A circular walk for this area is downloadable from 5 www.chilternsaonb.org or Tel 01844 355508 for a leaflet. Markyate Harpenden 4 Warden and Galley Hills Aylesbury Just a few miles north of Luton, Warden and Galley Hills are some of the most important areas of chalk downland in i Aldbury 6 Bedfordshire. The hills are home to a wide range of wild flowers, many of which will only live on the thin, poor soils of i the chalk downland. Close to the top of Galley Hill there are Tring Gaddesden two Bronze Age burial mounds, known as barrows. The site is HEMEL owned and managed by Luton Borough Council. i A circular walk taking in Galley and Warden Hills is i HEMPSTEAD downloadable from www.chilternsaonb.org Wendover i or Tel 01844 355508 for a leaflet. 7 Berkhamsted Thame Princes Risborough i Chesham Chinnor i M40 9 Gt.